Pravin Chheda BMC’s new Opposition leader

With less than a year left for the civic polls, Congress — the main opposition party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — sprang a surprise by replacing Devendra Amberkar with former BJP man Pravin Chheda as the Opposition leader on Friday.

In a letter written to mayor Snehal Ambekar, Mumbai Congress has asked that Mr Chheda be appointed as the new Opposition leader in the civic body. However, the official announcement is likely to be made in civic general body meeting on Tuesday.

According to Congress sources, the decision has been taken keeping in mind the forthcoming BMC elections, which are scheduled to be held in February next year. There were complaints against Mr Amberkar for having failed to take on the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance and the civic administration over several issues. “We needed a leader who can fight the Sena-BJP with gusto and bravery. Mr Chheda is a senior corporator and has a vast knowledge of civic affairs. Being an ex-BJP man, he also fits the bill well for taking on his former party,” said a Congress leader.

Mr Chheda, who is a four-time corporator, had quit the BJP just before the 2012 BMC polls and had joined the Congress. He was elected from Ghatkopar ward no 124.

However, not all in Congress are happy with his appointment as the Opposition leader. Some felt that the unceremonious sacking of Mr Amberkar might result in Congress losing the crucial Marathi votes in the next BMC elections. This may prove costly for the party in the bargain, said a party corporator on the condition of anonymity.